Original 19th Century Toyohara Kunichika Japanese Woodblock Print Triptych Framed

Details

Description

19th-Century Japanese Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print Triptych — Toyohara Kunichika

Offered for sale is an authentic 19th-century Japanese Ukiyo-e woodblock print … Read more 19th-Century Japanese Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print Triptych — Toyohara Kunichika

Offered for sale is an authentic 19th-century Japanese Ukiyo-e woodblock print triptych by the celebrated artist Toyohara Kunichika (1835–1900), one of the foremost masters of late Edo and Meiji-period Japanese printmaking.

Kunichika was renowned for his dynamic and expressive portraits of Kabuki actors, and his works are highly sought after by collectors of Japanese art worldwide.

Artist Signature & Seals:

The signature cartouche in the right-hand panel, and again beside the left panel, reads 豊原國周筆 (Toyohara Kunichika hitsu), followed by his small red circular seal. This is a standard signature form used by Kunichika during his Meiji-period career.

Additional details visible in the sheets include:

Publisher seal: The small double-box mark below the signature reads 尾町／森本, associated with Morimoto of Owarichō, a Tokyo publisher active during the 1880s–1890s.
Carver seal: A narrow strip at the far right edge bears a hori (彫) block-cutter’s mark, consistent with marks found on Kunichika’s more elaborate triptychs.
Subject: An ōkubi-style Kabuki triptych relating to the Keian Conspiracy. The central cartouche identifies 由井正雪 (Yui Shōsetsu), portrayed by Ichikawa Danjūrō, with Ichikawa Sadanji at right and Ichikawa Metora and Ichikawa Shin’pachi at left. The composition is almost certainly from Keian Taiheiki or a related theatrical adaptation.
Artistic & Historical Characteristics:

The aniline crimson, dense sumi-black ground, and burnished, lacquer-like treatment of the actors’ hair are particularly characteristic of Kunichika’s mature 1880s style, rather than the earlier 1860s period.

Kunichika was the dominant designer of Kabuki actor prints during the Meiji era. This triptych is an excellent example of his mature style, characterized by powerful facial expressions, dramatic poses, extremely intricate textile patterns, and deep black backgrounds.

The impressive three-sheet composition features elaborately dressed Kabuki figures rendered in bold colors, dramatic expressions, and intricate textile patterns. The complete triptych is beautifully presented in a quality custom frame with elegant silk matting, making it ready for display.

Condition:

Good original antique condition with age-appropriate wear consistent with a 19th-century Japanese woodblock print. The colors remain vibrant. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they are considered part of the description.

Dimensions

Framed: 36.5” x 22”
Sight area: 28” x 14”
Each individual sheet: 13.5” x 9.5”
A beautiful and authentic example of 19th-century Japanese Ukiyo-e art by one of Japan’s most celebrated printmakers. An excellent acquisition for collectors of Japanese woodblock prints, Kabuki theater art, Meiji-period prints, Asian antiques, and fine works on paper.

Professionally presented, ready to hang and enjoy. See less